If you’ve ever wondered how people managed their meadows, lawns or smallholdings before noisy strimmers and petrol mowers, this one-day course is a great place to start.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone curious about learning a low-impact, ecological and peaceful way to manage grassland. Whether you’re working with a lawn, allotment, veg patch or wildflower meadow, scything is a gentle and rewarding way to tend the land using simple hand tools and a bit of rhythm. It’s open to complete beginners and no prior experience is needed. All tools and safety gear are provided. You can also purchase this course as a gift here.
What will you learn?
On this course you will:
Gain hands-on experience with the recipes over the course of the weekend
Learn essential ingredients, techniques and methods specific to each cuisine
Improve your practical knife skills as well as techniques when approaching different vegetables.
Learn to use and trust your pallet to identify when a dish needs more salt, acid or fat and master the secrets of seasoning and garnishing, allowing you to create delicious and visually appealing dishes.
Bring home ten recipes that you can practice until perfect.
What will you take away?
Join experienced land worker and long-time scyther Chris Hayes for a hands-on day in the field, learning how to use and care for a traditional scythe. Chris will guide you through the essentials, including:
How to set up your scythe to suit your body
Mowing technique, finding your rhythm and posture
Keeping your blade sharp through regular honing and peening
Tips on caring for your tools so they last
How and when to mow to support soil health and biodiversity
You’ll also learn about the practical and ecological benefits of scything, including its use in rewilding projects, wildlife-friendly gardening, and regenerative land care. There will be plenty of space for questions, reflection and conversation throughout the day.
How is the course structured?
We start the day with breakfast together. We’ll begin by setting up your scythe to suit your height and build, then move into the field for a guided mowing session. Later in the day, we’ll focus on blade sharpening, peening and tool care, and finish with a recap and chance to reflect on what you've learned.
We’ll be outdoors for most of the day, so please come dressed for the Irish weather and bring sturdy boots.
What have past participants told us about their experience?
★★★★★
“The instructors were so patient and knowledgable, plus great craic!”
★★★★★
“a great weekend course…. Very relaxed, lovely skill to learn, plenty of chat and background music, great to meet new people and of course wonderful food”
★★★★★
“A relaxed , friendly , productive course in a beautiful setting.”
★★★★★
“Overall, it was the atmosphere and ethos of Common Knowledge….. it’s very special. And the food was exceptional!”
★★★★★
“welcoming, friendly & comfortable environment for those attending solo”
★★★★★
“I learned more than i ever thought i would in such a short space of time.”
What’s included?
The course fee covers tuition, the use of tools and materials, and two wholesome and nutritious daily meals, as well as tea, coffee and cake when it is most needed.
Staying with us at The Common Knowledge Centre
At The Common Knowledge Centre we now have a range of accommodation options on site to suit all budgets and needs. When you stay with us, you’ll be supporting our newly established guesthouse and be close to the action. We recommend arriving the evening before your course. You can view available accommodation on our booking page.
More information
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For more information about booking a course, accommodation options, and preparing for your course at Common Knowledge, see our
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Course Instructors
